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BLM Camping

Outlaw Cave Campground


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Throughout the United States, hundreds of public natural sites are watched over by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These areas feature campgrounds, recreation areas, national monuments, rivers, wilderness areas, and various other outdoor attractions. Every year, numerous people from all over the country travel to these diverse sites to partake in BLM camping and enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. By searching online for "BLM camping near me," you can find the coolest BLM locations in your region and start your adventure. One BLM site that you can visit in central Wyoming is the Outlaw Cave Campground. Located in the Middle Fork Powder River Recreation Area, the remote area features a breathtaking red wall and deep canyons. The site's namesake caves were once popular hiding spots for famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch. The Outlaw Cave Campground also lies right on the banks of the mighty Powder River, making it a great spot for water-based recreation. Many who visit the BLM site take the time to explore Bighorn National Forest, which is located approximately 40 miles north of the campground.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Tongue River Canyon

This out-and-back trail is located near the town of Dayton, WY in Bighorn National Forest. The trail is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking, and there are nearby fishing opportunities as well. Visitors to the route will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest and canyons, and the best times to check out the trail are between April and September. You're welcome to bring your pups, and they can even be off-leash in some areas. Length: 4.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Circle Park Trail

Also located in Bighorn National Forest, this out-and-back route is an excellent place for both hiking and backpacking. For an ideal experience, you should visit the trail between May and October. Length: 4.6 miles Intensity: Moderate

Porcupine Falls Trail

This short out-and-back trail is found near Lovell, WY and takes hikers on a descent of approximately 440 feet to reach the beautiful waterfall below. Keep in mind that the route features over 90 stairs as well as a very steep section, so caution is required on both the descent and ascent. When you reach the bottom of the trail, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the falls. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but they must remain leashed. Length: 0.8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the Outlaw Cave Campground BLM site. The Middle Fork of the 12-mile-long Powder River is known as a superb destination for trout fishing. During your visit, you could also take a canoe, kayak, or tube out on the river for a peaceful day.

ClimbingClimbing

If you're a rock climbing enthusiast, your best bet while visiting the Outlaw Cave Campground will be to head north to the Bighorn Mountains. There, you'll find routes for sport climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering. Most climbing routes in the area can be found at places like Ten Sleep Canyon and Tongue River Canyon. When climbing at these sites, you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding Bighorn National Forest.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

If you visit the Outlaw Cave Campground during the winter, you'll have an excellent chance of seeing some of the elk and deer that forage in the area. Another good option for wildlife observation is to head north to Bighorn National Forest. While exploring the forest's trails, you may spot black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, moose, beavers, snowshoe hares, wild turkeys, and various songbird species.

Picnicking

If you'd like to have a picnic somewhere with tables or shelters, you could head to the nearby town of Kaycee and enjoy your picnic lunch at Sagebrush Park. Alternatively, you could lay out a picnic blanket at the BLM campground on the banks of the Powder River.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Visitors are welcome to enjoy BLM RV camping at the Outlaw Cave Campground although there are no modern amenities or RV hookups. The campground features 12 campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though there aren't any other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby, there are many modern RV parks in the city of Casper, WY, located southeast of the BLM site. For example, you could stay at the Casper East RV Park and Campground or the Casper KOA Journey.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Technically, any camping you do at the Outlaw Cave Campground will be Bureau of Land Management free camping as there is no fee required for the campsites. Alternatively, you could set up your own dispersed campsite either east or west along the Middle Fork Powder River.

RV Rentals Near Outlaw Cave Campground Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Outlaw Cave Campground BLM trip

When planning a trip to the Outlaw Cave Campground, remember that the site is in a very remote area. You will be more than 15 miles from any town, so you should bring all of the food, drinking water, and supplies that you'll need with you. You should also check the weather forecast for the area before you make your trip to the site. The BLM does not recommend traveling to the campground during periods of inclement weather. Additionally, the campground is closed each year between January 1 and April 14. There are prehistoric resources located near the BLM site. Although you can observe these resources, it's important that you do not collect or damage them. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

To help preserve the Outlaw Cave Campground BLM site, please adhere to the Leave No Trace principles during your visit. There is no trash collection provided at the site, so pack out any garbage that you produce.

Leave No Trace
Location

Outlaw Cave Campground Location

To reach the site from Kaycee, travel west for approximately one mile on Highway 191. Next, take a left onto Highway 190W and follow it for about 16 miles until you reach Barnum. Turn left onto Bar C Road and then follow it for 7.8 miles until you reach the campground. Latitude and longitude: 43.58902, -106.94734. Ready to visit Outlaw Cave Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.